Road Trip Snacks for Families

Both Holly and I plan to spend some time traveling this summer. For her, it’s all about her big move. For me, it’s trips to my parents’ new cottage. Both of us travel with kids so we need to find ways to keep them happy. My husband has learned over the years that food is what keeps me happy so I figure the same logic applies to my kids!

If you’re looking for some fresh ideas for perfect road-trip snack foods then look no further: We’re here to help!

Snacks + car seats inevitably leads to mess. This is why ice cream or lollipops might not be the best choice. It’s much easier to pull a carrot stick out from under the seatbelt than it is to un-stick a lollipop that’s been sitting there for who knows how long, melting in the summer heat. It always seems like junk food leaves the biggest mess in the car – imagine that! So here’s a big list of ideas for easy-to-eat “treats” for the kids on those long car rides.

 

• Fresh Veggies – Cut them up ahead of time and store in containers or baggies. Holly swears by her 3 compartment LunchBots.  
  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Pepper slices
  • Cucumber slices
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower

 

 

• Fresh Fruit – Fruit can get messy in the car seat but it’s a perfect snack to munch on when you stop for a break somewhere.
  • Berries – strawberries, raspberries, blueberries
  • Apple slices
  • Watermelon chunks
  • Pineapple chunks
  • Cantaloupe or honeydew cubes
  • Orange slices
  • Mango pieces

 

• Trail Mix – It’s so easy to make your own. Here’s our recipe!
  • Raisins – change it up with yogurt-covered or try dried cranberries or cherries
  • Nuts – cashews, peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts
  • Seeds – pepitas (aka pumpkin seeds), sunflower seeds
  • Dried fruit – apple rings, pineapple chunks, mango pieces, banana chips
  • Chocolate – chocolate chips, m&ms, chocolate-covered peanuts or raisins

 

• Baby Snacks – These are great for both your little ones and even your toddlers.
  • Rice rusks – there are so many flavours available now!
  • Yogurt melts – almost every brand of baby food makes these now
  • Puffs – many flavours available and perfect for little hands
  • Arrowroot cookies
  • Cheerios – we like to spruce it up with different flavours like multigrain or banana nut, sometimes even chocolate!

 

• Salty snacks – sometimes you just crave something salty – great for the adults too!
  • Snapea Crisps
  • Crackers – there’s a cracker for everyone available, pick your faves such as Goldfish.
  • Chips – choose something baked like tortilla chips or Twistos or Crispy Minis!
  • Veggie Straws
  • Popcorn
  • Cheese slices

 

• Other ideas – there’s so much awesome stuff out there 
  • Granola bars
  • Fruit snacks
  • Graham crackers
  • Sandwiches
  • Muffins
  • Cookies

What’s your favourite food to eat on road trips?